"The greatest Alpha Shadow Ridge has ever known," I say softly, meaning every word. "The one who could unite all packs under one banner. The one who could wield the Celestial Flame."
Something flashes in his eyes—hunger, perhaps, or longing. "You still believe that? Even chained in my dungeon?"
"I'll always believe in you," I whisper, my voice breaking slightly. "You're my Alpha, Kael. Nothing changes that. Not rejection, not chains... nothing."
He studies me for a long moment, his thumb tracing circles on my palm. The touch sends shivers down my spine. "You've always known exactly what to say to move me," he murmurs, almost to himself.
"Only because I mean every word."
His other hand comes up to cup my face, and I lean into his touch, my eyes fluttering closed. For a moment, we stay like that, balanced on the edge of something I can't quite name.
Then he pulls back slightly, his expression shifting. "Come with me."
"What?"